This reflection explores some of the resources published for the Eucharist Congress in September 2018, the first such congress in the UK since 1908. It also acknowledges both the pastoral opportunities and the challenges for the contemporary Church by such a significant public event. Bridie Stringer lectures in pastoral theology at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.

Whilst the title suggests that this is not a route which would be found on a reliable sat nav, nevertheless from a theological and pastoral perspective, it is a journey which the Catholic Church in England and Wales will make in September 2018. The city will host the first Eucharistic Congress held in the UK since 1908. It will be a major gathering of approximately 10,000 people from twenty-two dioceses and the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy and the Bishopric of the Forces. Liverpool will be a place of pilgrimage, prayer, reflection and going forth.